    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [December 9, 2004]
    [Page 3065]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah
    December 9, 2004

        Welcome, everybody, to the White House. Hanukkah is a festive
    holiday that celebrates a great victory for freedom. We remember the
    liberation of Jerusalem and a miracle witnessed in the holy temple 2,000
    years ago. For 8 days the oil burned, and the light of freedom still
    burns in Jewish homes and synagogues everywhere.
        We are honored to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah in the White
    House this evening. We have a beautiful menorah from the Boca Raton
    Synagogue in Boca Raton, Florida. Laura and I are
    grateful to have it here, and we thank Rabbi Kenneth Brander for making that possible.
        I also thank the gentlemen from Kol Zimra, who will help us say the
    blessings over the candles and bless all of us with their music.
    Welcome.
        The Talmud teaches that the menorah lights should perform no
    function other than to proclaim the miracle of a just and loving God.
    Every generation since Judah Maccabee has looked on these candles and
    recalled the sacrifices that are made for freedom. And in every
    generation, these lights have warmed the hearts of those not yet free.
        Today, many Americans are sacrificing to bring freedom and hope to
    the oppressed. In this holiday season, we pray for the safety of our
    troops, for the success of the mission, and for their speedy return
    home.
        And tonight we have asked the three eldest children of one of our
    Jewish chaplains, Army Chaplain Shmuel Felzenberg, now on duty in Iraq, to do the honors of lighting the
    menorah. Will Menachem,
    Chaim, and Miriam Felzenberg are here to light the candles.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:30 p.m. in the Bookseller's Area in the
    East Wing at the White House.